J.J. McCarthy's misfires at QB stand out for the Vikings in a 13-3 preseason loss to the Ravens

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — J.J. McCarthy had an erratic start for the Minnesota Vikings, completing 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards in a 13-3 exhibition loss to Baltimore on Saturday, while undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano threw a touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester for the Ravens.

McCarthy played four series with the second-team offense before yielding to 11-year veteran Carson Wentz, leaving the picture unclear about who will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kyler Murray.

“We want to keep giving those guys opportunities,” said coach Kevin O'Connell, who'd planned to give McCarthy a little more playing time but decided to pull him after a couple of hard hits left him walking gingerly off the field.

The 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, who missed his rookie year while recovering from knee surgery and was limited by 10 starts last season because of multiple injuries, misfired to open receivers multiple times. After deftly moving up in the pocket for a 50-yard completion to Tai Felton midway through the first quarter, McCarthy threw too hard into the end zone twice for incompletions — resulting in a turnover on downs.

Myles Price was wide open in the front corner on fourth-and-1, but McCarthy sailed the ball over the 5-foot-9 receiver.

“Just throws I’ve got to make. We called great plays, but at the end of the day I know I can make those throws,” McCarthy said. “It’s great to have that experience logged in and that data logged in to be able to make that throw next time.”

Max Brosmer played the entire second half at quarterback for the Vikings, going 11 for 17 for 98 yards. He was intercepted by rookie free safety Silas Walters at the Baltimore 18 as the last two possessions for the Vikings ended with turnovers. Rookie outside linebacker Ethan Burke forced a fumble with his tackle of Jeshaun Jones after an 11-yard reception had given Minnesota a first down near midfield.

Tyler Loop made two field goals and had four strong kickoffs for the Ravens, who also rested the majority of their starting lineup after two days of joint practices with the Vikings.

The second-team offense with Tyler Huntley at quarterback stalled out, but Fagnano fared well with the deep reserves while completing 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards. Rookie tight end Josh Cuevas caught three passes for 46 yards from Fagnano, who finished his seven-year college career at UConn.

“He’s awesome. He's great to be around. He just wants to make everybody else better on and off the field,” Cuevas said. “He’s a general out there whenever he gets his chances.”

Ravens maintain their momentum on defense

New coach Jesse Minter had the Ravens' defense in prime form in the joint practices at Minnesota's facility this week, and the second-teamers kept up the momentum at U.S. Bank Stadium. Over two preseason games, the Ravens have allowed a total of 10 points.

Keondre Jackson, the backup strong safety beginning his second season, had seven tackles, one of Baltimore's five sacks, and one of its nine quarterback hits.

“We preach not having a drop-off in our back end on the defense, so the ones hold us accountable,” Jackson said. “The twos and threes want to follow suit.”

Burke, who was undrafted out of Texas, had a sack, two hits and two passes defensed.

“The way he practices, just the way he carries himself, I'm very impressed with him,” outside linebacker Mike Green said. “I'm surprised that he was an undrafted free agent, but I'm glad he's here.”

Up next

Baltimore hosts Washington on Friday on the final weekend of preseason games. Minnesota plays at Denver.

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